More about the Android SMS bug

Since we ran the story about the SMS bug in Android, we've been hearing back from a lot of you with more hints, tips, and information. First, I do want to thank each and every one who contacted us, and again remind you to be sure to add any helpful information to the Google code page about the issue. Since this one seems to affect some more than others, it's very important that we all share what we know to be true with the masterminds in Mountain View. Hit the break, where we share everything we've learned and heard so far, and keep the reports coming guys.

Update: Commentor a1Will I Am brings up an excellent point -- a poll would be awful interesting. We have one set up in the forums right here, everyone should vote so we know what kind of numbers we're dealing with here.

Android Central Editors' app picks - lazy holiday edition

Better late than never, it's our "Hey, it's the holidays, cut us some slack" edition of our weekly apps roundup. Many of you may be getting your first Android device, and we are sure you are extremely happy about it. The Android market is loaded with many great applications, but let us take you through some of our favorites of this week, and be sure to check out all of our other suggestions here.

Get a shiny new Samsung Galaxy Tab in the last 14 days from Verizon? If so, you'll wanna reach out to the store where you purchased the device from and see about getting $100 back in your pocket. Verizon it seems is now under the impression the Samsung Galaxy Tab was priced a little on the high side and have now dropped it to $499.99. Something Best Buy already knew anyways. But that's not all. You'll also get yourself set up with $60 worth of Blockbuster or Media Hub rentals to go along with it. Anyone stepping up to get one at $499.99 that wasn't will to at $599.99? [Droid Life]

Samsung Nexus S review

Google's latest developer phone brings Android 2.3 Gingerbread and new hardware, but is it the right choice for the average consumer?

One of the biggest gripes many of us have about Android is the way manufacturers and carriers change the software. Whether it's an OEM skin in place of the stock launcher and desktop, or value added extras like Sprint TV or V-cast, or even the removal of core Google services like search and maps -- the first thing many new phone owners want to do it remove the "bloatware." Enter the "Pure Google" phones. The name Nexus gets us plenty excited because we know we're in for a pure Google experience, and the Samsung Nexus S is no different.

But is it a good choice for the average Joe? Join us after the break, and follow along as we have a look at the latest additive-free Android phone.

HTC Thunderbolt, Samsung SCH-i520 LTE phone show up in Verizon's system

Verizon's New Year's resolution? Android LTE phones. And lookie at what just popped into its system -- SKUs for the HTC Thunderbolt (aka ADR6400) and that Samsung SCH-i520 LTE device, and dummy units to go along with them. The former basically is the Desire HD with a cool kickstand and speaker underneath, with Verizon's new 4G data. The Sammy device? We'll just have to see what gets unearthed at CES next week, won't we? Thanks, lk!

It's not that we don't expect the HTC Evo Shift 4G to be announced in the coming days (Hint: Jan. 4 and Jan. 9 are sounding like good days) -- it's almost certainly on its way. But for any retailer to offer preorders on an unannounced and unofficial phone is just a bit much for our taste.

This certainly isn't the first or last time we've seen this -- the latest example is Amazon, which has the Evo Shift 4G available for preorder for $199.99. Never mind that some of the details are wrong ("released in June, 2010"?), and it's possible some of the other specs could be gleaned from the manufacturers of the various cases that already have been making the rounds.

But before handing over your hard-earned cash for a phone, said device should at least be announced by the manufacturer or carrier. How would you feel if you'd preordered an HTC Merge? [Amazon via Android Central Forums]

Happy New Year, everybody!

Welcome to 2011, everybody! Thanks for making us the biggest and best Android blog of 2010 -- and things are only going to get better in the new year, starting with some major Android news coming out of CES next week. We'll be there, of course, and it's just a start of things to come. Salud, everyone, and welcome to 2011! -- Phil and the gang

Unrevoked 3 updated to support new EVO 4G hardware and SLCD Incredibles

A late Christmas present from team Unrevoked is now available for download. Yes, all you people who have HTC Evo 4Gs with the new hardware, or a Droid Incredible with an SLCD screen, can now get to rooting and flashing your devices. As announced via their Twitter account you can grab the download direct from the unrevoked website. Be sure to let us know how it's working for you all after you try it out. [Unrevoked via Twitter]

Out with the old, in with the new. It's new years eve and time to say good bye to 2010. As we all look forward to 2011, we just want to wish everyone a safe and happy new years. If you're not one for parties well, kick back and join some others in the forums while we wait for the ball to drop.

The Android SMS bug -- what it is, and what you need to do

If you're awake and have looked at the Internet today, you've likely seen the end of the world as we know it played out in blog after blog because of a bug in the Android SMS application. It's the same bug some of you have been dealing with -- messages end up going to the wrong contact when using the stock messaging application on your Android phone. First things first -- it doesn't do other evil things like make your alarm not work, or delete your pictures, or brick your phone -- it only causes SMS messages to go to the wrong party, which is bad enough. So you can safely ignore all the other scary things you've heard may happen, because they wont. There's two issues here that need addressed, and an easy fix. Follow the break to read more. [Google Code via Engadget]

Run Keeper Pro now free until the end of January

It's that time of year where folks start making new years resolutions. One of the top new years resolutions is typically to be more fit or physically active. Some stick to that and follow through while if you're like me you'll likely forget about it in a week. In an effort to help you keep that resolution afloat the developers of Run Keeper have made their fitness tracking and measuring app available for free until the end of January. If you're looking to share your stats, stay in shape and track it all at the same time you can't beat the price here. Hit the download after the break. [Run Keeper]

More details on the Android Asus Eee Pad revealed

A few days ago, we reported on a new line of Android-based Asus Eee tablets expected to be released in 2011. Asus may be getting a little too impatient for CES to arrive because more information has now been revealed about these tablets, coming straight from the horses mouth. The Asus Eee EP102 and EP101 appear to be those exact tablets, sporting a 10-inch screen (hopefully) running the much more tablet-friendly Honeycomb.

As some of you predicted in the comments, at least one of these tablets, purportedly the EP101, will have a detachable keyboard as shown in that chalkboard demo. The EP102 on the other hand appears to be some sort of slider tablet. As if my anticipation for CES couldn't get any higher, Asus swoops in and teases us just a little bit more. Hit the break for two more pictures! [eeepc.it via CrunchGear]

[Rumor] HTC Thunderbolt specs? Or just a dream made of unicorn blood?

Stop what you're doing, take a second and click the picture you see above. If you're reading on your phone, run to a computer -- you want to see this. Supposedly these are the specs for the European version of the HTC Thunderbolt, and they are amazing. Almost too amazing. According to HTCInside.de (a German HTC blog and fansite), the Thunderbolt will be released with the Qualcomm MSM8960 dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, Gingerbread, an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, and support for 128GB SDXC cards.

Is it real? Heck, we don't know, and honestly, none of us thinks these specs are right. But we offer it as-is, for you guys to dissect in the Thunderbolt forums. Just don't go blaming us if your heart gets broken. [HTCInside.de (German) via Pocketnow]

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